Premier

Support For Migrant Workers And International Students

28 August 2018

Migrant workers and international students will be better supported and protected with the official opening of the Migrant Workers Centre.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott opened the Centre today, which will deliver a range of services to support people who recently arrived in Victoria and are more vulnerable to exploitation in their employment.

The Andrews Labor Government provided $2.3M over two years to establish the Centre – the first of its kind in Australia.

The new Centre will:

  • advocate for the rights of migrant workers and international students
  • provide education and information to migrant workers and international students about their rights, proper wages and safe working conditions
  • provide case management support and referrals to help workers to seek redress for exploitation, including recovery of wages

The Centre will act on behalf of individuals and communities affected by exploitation and discrimination in the workplace.

The work of the Centre will be complimented by the $300,000 Multicultural Safety Ambassadors Program, which will recruit individuals from multicultural communities to promote safe workplace practices.

The Ambassadors Program will support existing Victorian and Commonwealth government legal and regulatory measures to ensure safe workplaces.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott

“This new Centre will better protect and support migrant workers and international students, who are more vulnerable to exploitation at work.”

“Migrant workers and international students are critical to the strength of our community and our economy – it’s essential we give them the information and support they need.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins

“The Migrant Workers Centre will play a central role in providing migrant workers and international students with the knowledge and tools to exercise their full employment rights.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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